Clapham – We Want A Pathway For The Youngsters

Leeds United assistant head coach Jamie Clapham was full of praise for the youngsters in the side as they beat Barnsley at Elland Road.

21-year-old Tom Pearce scored his first Leeds goal in just his third appearance and fellow youngsters Bailey Peacock-Farrell and Paudie O’Connor once again put in impressive performances, as all three players are enjoying their spell in the first team having recently come into the side.

On a day when the Leeds under-18 side wrapped up the league title in their league, Clapham says the youngsters will get a chance in the first team if they show they are good enough.

“The young lads are driving the senior players on, we want a pathway for them and if they are good enough, they are going to be getting an opportunity, everyone so far has been terrific,” Clapham told the Leeds official website.

“When you put this shirt on and play for Leeds United, to win the league you have 46 cup finals because everybody ups their game.

“This is one of the biggest clubs in the country, make no mistake about it.

“We have great supporters who follow us everywhere, so that responsibility is huge and we need characters and players who can really perform under those pressures.”

With just two games remaining this season and little to play for, Leeds could take the opportunity to blood some more youngsters from the Leeds under-23 development squad and under-18s.

Hugo Diaz made his Leeds debut as a substitute in the recent clash at Preston North End and Romario Vieira, Oriel Rey and Callum Nicell have all been unused substitutes in recent games.

17-year-old Jack Clarke is one from the youth team who could be given an opportunity having impressed this season.